A CHESTER-BASED holiday accommodation company hosted a charity football match as players raised thousands for local causes.

On Wednesday (August 14) at the Cheshire County Officers Cricket Club in Chester, colleagues from Sykes Holiday Cottages came together for an evening of football, all in support of The Hospice of the Good Shepherd and The Stroke Association.

‘Sykes Aid’ was open to players of all abilities and saw more than 40 players from across the business participate.

Players were encouraged to raise a minimum of £50 each and after Sykes matched the contributions, £8,356 was raised in total. The funds will go towards providing crucial support to the Stroke Association and the Hospice’s services and the families it helps.

In addition to the funds raised for the Hospice, 100% of the entry ticket proceeds (£5 each) were donated to The Stroke Association in memory of a member of the Sykes family, who recently passed.

After a competitive match, the team captained by Luke Squires, Sykes’ Operations Director won the tournament.

James Shaw, Managing Director of Sykes Holiday Cottages, said: “It was brilliant to see everyone come together not just for a fun game, but for a cause that means a lot.

“The energy on the pitch was amazing and knowing that the money raised will go towards supporting two very worthy charities is something we are very proud of.”

Luke Squires, Operations Director and team manager said: “The turnout was fantastic and it’s great to have been part of such a meaningful event.”

Earlier this year, more than 80 colleagues from Sykes also took part in a fire walk at the letting agency’s Chester headquarters, helping to raise £20,000 for their charity partners, including The Hospice of the Good Shepherd.

For more information about Sykes Holiday Cottages, visit: www.sykescottages.co.uk.